Free THE FINAL FALSON SAYS I DO by Lucy Gordon

Jackson, but she could see no sign of him.
    He wasn’t there, she thought with a stab of disappointment. He hadn’t bothered to come and meet them.
    But then she saw him, standing a few feet away, looking so changed that she barely recognised him. The hot sun had tanned him, and he looked thinner, like a man who worked long hours and neglected himself. Despite the distance she could sense his tension, and she guessed he was really worried about his father and had taken a lot of trouble for him—even to the extent of seeking the help of a woman with whom he was at odds.
    He looked up and she caught the exact moment when he saw her. New life came into his face and he raised a hand in greeting.
    ‘Thank you,’ he said as they met. ‘It’s wonderful that you’re here. You can see how happy it makes Amos.’
    The older couple were still hugging each other joyfully.
    ‘I’m glad for both their sakes,’ she said. ‘And how are you? I nearly didn’t recognise you.’
    ‘It’s been a little tiring, but I still love doing it.’ He turned to his stepmother. ‘Janine, lovely to see you.’
    He enveloped her in a hug, then took their bags.
    Freya had thought she too might have received a warm embrace from him, especially after the hug they’d shared when they parted. She thought perhaps she’d demanded that hug as a way of hinting that hostilities could now be over. She wasn’t sure.
    But things were different now. He’d promised to keep his distance and clearly he intended to do so. It was foolish to feel disappointed, and she wouldn’t allow herself that much weakness.
    Outside, a large, luxurious vehicle was awaiting them, with a chauffeur who took charge of their bags and assisted the ladies inside. With two rows of seats it was more like a bus than a car. Jackson guided the two women to sit together while he sat opposite, with his father.
    ‘It should only take about half an hour,’ he said. ‘We’re going to the Harbury Hotel in Pyramids Road.’
    ‘Pyramids Road?’ Janine echoed. ‘Does that mean you can see pyramids from there?’
    ‘I’ll say it does,’ Jackson agreed. ‘You can hardly look in any direction without seeing pyramids. It’s marvellous.’
    They saw what he meant as soon as they reached the city. Tall buildings rose to the sky, but behind them, dominating the world, were the pointed shapes of the pyramids.
    Soon they drew up outside the hotel—an immense, luxurious building. Porters took charge of their bags while Jackson escorted them to the desk to sign in.
    ‘The whole television crew is staying here,’ he said. ‘They’re out doing background shots at the moment, but they’ll be here soon.’
    Once upstairs, Amos showed Janine to his own room, which she would now share.
    ‘Yours is just down here,’ Jackson told Freya, leading the way. ‘Next door to mine, so I’m on hand if you need help.’
    The room was stunning, with a floor-to-ceiling window that opened out onto a balcony from which a huge pyramid could be seen. Holding her breath, Freya went out to stand there, trying to believe that so much beauty and magnificence was so close.
    Turning back, she saw Jackson waiting patiently.
    ‘Amos looks well,’ she said. ‘I hadn’t expected to see him so vigorous.’
    ‘He changes from moment to moment. Mostly he seems well, but then he’ll go dizzy, or breathless. I make him rest when I can, but you know what it’s like trying to get him to take advice.’
    ‘You should know that better than anyone,’ she pointed out. ‘He’s your father.’
    ‘Yes, but I’ve never had to try to make him see sense before—not like this. You’re the expert. If you knew what a relief it is to me to have you here.’
    ‘You know I’ll do my best to look after him.’
    ‘That’s very sweet and generous of you after everything that happened.’
    ‘I’m not being sweet and generous,’ she said at once. ‘I’m being professional. Amos is my patient, even if he doesn’t know